Angry fans blame tour groups after Newlands Test sells out within minutes

Tickets for the first four days of England’s Test match in Cape Town in January sold out within minutes of going on sale, prompting claims by supporters that too many were allocated to companies offering package deals.

Disappointed fans contacted Cricket South Africa to complain after missing out on the tickets for the Test at Newlands, which is the third of England’s three-match series this winter.

The ground has a capacity of around 25,000 and although Tests there usually sell out, it is highly unusual for them to do so within minutes of tickets going on sale. It is expected that around 10,000 England supporters will travel to South Africa for the Test series.

Some South Africa fans accused the English travel company The Barmy Army of being given too many tickets, but The Barmy Army said its allocation had been small. The company is advertising a package deal that incorporates the Newlands Test and a safari for nearly £6,000.

The Barmy Army said: “As an official tour operator, the Barmy Army receives a small pre-agreed ticket allocation directly from Cricket South Africa many months in advance. This allocation is entirely separate from the public ticket release process and does not reduce the number of tickets made available through general sale. A number of other official tour operators receive similar allocations as part of the same process for major overseas tours.”

Fans also accused Cricket South Africa of allocating too many tickets to South Africa Cricket Travel, a company set up by the governing body itself in conjunction with a Johannesburg-based travel company. It offers packages that include hotels and travel as well as match tickets. The packages are being advertised for re-sale at significant mark-ups from their original price.

Tickets for day five at Newlands are yet to be put on sale and there are still some available for days one to four of the first two Tests at the Wanderers, Johannesburg, and SuperSport Park, Pretoria, priced at around £16 for locals.

Cricket South Africa responded to the flurry of angry messages on Monday by releasing a statement confirming that all tickets had been sold and also acknowledging its partnership with the travel operator South Africa Cricket Travel.

“Thank you to every fan who secured their seat. There’s still time to get your tickets for all the other matches taking place across the country this summer. SA Cricket travel is designed to take fans to the heart of the game. To feel the passion, energy and spirit of the sport loved by millions whenever the Proteas take the field.”

Cricket South Africa and South Africa Cricket Travel have been approached for comment.

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